Your 2026 Estate Planning Checklist: 5 Things to Review Now with a Middle Georgia Will and Trust Attorney
Entering 2026 without an up-to-date estate plan is like driving without insurance. To help you start the year with security, we've curated a checklist optimized for the current legal and digital landscape.
Taking just a few minutes to review these key areas can prevent months of complications for your family later.
What Should Be on Your Estate Planning Checklist for 2026?
To ensure comprehensive protection, your 2026 review should cover five critical pillars.
First, conduct a fiduciary check. Are your executor, trustee, and power of attorney agents still the right people for the job? Consider whether they're still alive, whether you still trust them with these responsibilities, and whether they live close enough to handle urgent matters effectively.
Second, review your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies. Your 401(k), IRAs, and life insurance policies pay out outside of your will. This means updating your will does not fix these designations if they're outdated. An ex-spouse or estranged relative could still inherit these assets if you haven't updated the forms.
Third, verify your digital asset authorization. Does your power of attorney explicitly grant someone the right to access your digital life, including email, photos, and cryptocurrency, if you become incapacitated? Without this specific language, your designated person may be powerless to help you.
Fourth, confirm your guardianship nominations if you have minor children. The person you named years ago may no longer be appropriate due to age, health, relocation, or changed circumstances.
Fifth, prepare for new tax law provisions. Many provisions of recent tax legislation kick in this year, creating new planning opportunities. We can help you incorporate these changes into your estate plan to maximize benefits for your family and ensure you're taking advantage of current tax strategies available in Middle Georgia.
Why Are Digital Assets Important in 2026?
Traditional wills often fail to account for online accounts. Without specific digital asset language in your estate plan, your family may be blocked from accessing your Apple ID, Google Photos, or online banking accounts, even with a death certificate in hand.
Technology companies have strict privacy policies that don't automatically grant access to family members. Your estate plan needs explicit provisions addressing these modern assets to prevent your family from being locked out of important accounts, precious memories, and financial information.
How Can You Audit Your Estate Plan at Home?
Before scheduling a consultation, locate your physical estate planning documents. Read through the names listed as beneficiaries and executors carefully. If you feel any hesitation about any name on those papers, that's your sign to schedule a review.
Pay attention to your gut reaction. If you think, "I'm not sure they could handle this anymore," or "We haven't spoken in years," those concerns indicate your plan needs updating.
Taking Action This Year
Don't let the busyness of the new year push this off your to-do list. A 30-minute review now can save your family months of stress and uncertainty later.
We can help you work through this checklist and identify any gaps in your current plan. Contact us at 478-272-2885 to schedule your 2026 estate planning review.